Ward 6 Weekly Update 9/1/2023

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September 1, 2023

Uniquely EastSide Festival and Solidarity Street Gallery 2023

Uniquely EastSide Festival and Solidarity Street Gallery 2023

 

You are invited to SOLIDARITY STREET GALLERY 2023, a unique fine-art exhibition along Payne Avenue in St. Paul, MN, coming up on September 8 and 9.  

In its fourth year - with the theme of 'Faces of Our Communities' - the exhibition gives a voice to a diverse group of over 60 visual artists who share what community means to them, and encourages all neighbors and guests to celebrate the tapestry of diverse cultures that make up our neighborhoods. The artworks, a good number of artist vendor tables, and several live art activities can be found at 5 main indoor/gallery locations and in about 30 storefront windows, encouraging guests to take a leisurely stroll up and down Payne Avenue.

Friday, September 8, 5 - 9 PM | PREVIEW PARTY AND ARTIST RECEPTION | 967 Payne Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55130

This opening event on Friday evening is public - all are invited to attend!  Get a sneak preview of the many fabulous and poignant artworks in the exhibition.  Meet and pay tribute to all the amazing and generous artists who responded to our invitation to share their thoughts on what facets of community are most important to them.  And enjoy some light refreshments and a relaxing social time - as you get ready for the UNIQUELY EASTSIDE FESTIVAL on Saturday.

Saturday, September 9, 12 - 7 PM | UNIQUELY EASTSIDE FESTIVALPayne Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55130, between Lawson Ave and Phalen Blvd

On Saturday, Payne Avenue will turn into a vibrant street fair and arts & cultural community celebration as the UNIQUELY EASTSIDE FESTIVAL and SOLIDARITY STREET GALLERY join forces to not only offer a full day of the fine-art exhibitions but also welcome neighbors and visitors alike to enjoy an exciting performance program of live music and dance; do some shopping and learning in expansive vendor marketplace featuring local entrepreneurs, makers, artisans, artists and non-profits; participate in a host of interactive children, youth and community activities;  find out who won the youth art contest and take a look at the colorful artwork display from that contest; and taste some unique and delicious specials at local eateries and pubs - as part of the EATSIDE CHALLENGE - with a chance to win some great prizes!

Click here to volunteer for the UNIQUELY EASTSIDE FESTIVAL and SOLIDARITY STREET GALLERY 2023.


East Side Neighbors & Electeds: Building Community Forum

Building Community Forum


In 2023, Minnesotans saw transformational changes in federal, state, and local politics. In effort to have wider discussions about policies that will impact the East Side, East Side state, county, city, and school board elected officials are gathering to hear from YOU. Together, let's Build CommUnity!

Join us next month, on September 20, 2023 at 6PM at Arlington Hills Community Center. We will start with a community meal, and then we will station attendees into four groups. Each group will be assigned an elected that represents the government body they serve: state, county, city, and school board. Then, the electeds will rotate to ensure all attendees have access to connect with each government body representative.

The state body will include Minnesota State Representative Liz Lee. The county body will include Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong. The city council body will include Councilmember Jane Prince and Councilmember Nelsie Yang. And the school board body will include School Board Member Jim Vue and School Board Member Uriah Ward (executive director of SouthEast Community Organization).

Register for the East Side Neighbors and Electeds: Building Community Forum hereRSVPs are preferred, but not required. If you would like any special accommodations, we ask that you register and make any requests through the RSVP form.


SPPA Seeking Artists for Public Art at The Heights

Public Art at The Heights


The Saint Paul Port Authority is pre-qualifying artists to be part of public art at The Heights.

The Saint Paul Port Authority is partnering with Forecast Public Art to bring public art to The Heights. For this endeavor, there will be staggered installations between the years 2025 and 2029. Priorities include murals, benches, interpretive signs, and an interactive play area.

This plan came together after two years of active community engagement, identifying big picture concepts while leaving ample room for artist creativity. Each installation presents a fresh opportunity to showcase the rich cultural history of the Greater East Side, highlighting its past, present, and future.

Local artists are encouraged to apply at this link starting August 25th through September 25th for public art at The Heights


Liu Ming Yuan Garden Poetry Contest

poetry contest

Enter to win this year's Liu Ming Yuan Garden Poetry Contest! The theme this year is "friendship". Poems will be accepted in Dakota, Hmong, Chinese, and English. Open to all ages. Please submit your poetry here by September 15, 2023!


ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program

ESNDC Friendly Storefronts Program


Attention Ward 6 Businesses! Are you looking to refresh the appearance of your storefront this summer? Check out East Side Neighborhood Development Company’s Friendly Storefronts Program - Grant funding is available for façade improvement projects on a first come basis. See the flyer for general program guidelines, and send all inquiries to jmcgregor@esndc.org to start the application process!

Contact Us

Email: ward6@stpaul.gov

Phone: 651-266-8660

Facebook: NelsieYangWard6

Twitter: @NelsieYangCM

Meet & Greet virtual appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.


CERTs Clean Energy Seed Grants

CERTs Seed Grant


Clean Energy Resource Teams is giving out $5-10k grants for clean energy projects.

Clean energy projects can include energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, electric vehicle-related projects, and energy storage.

Read this Request for Proposals to see if your clean energy idea is eligible for funding!


2024 Budget 

2024 Budget Survey


Listen to this 2024 Budget presentation and watch the Mayor's 2024 Budget Address here to learn more.

Take the Budget Survey to share your input!

More at: City Council Budgeting & Financial Planning | Saint Paul Minnesota (stpaul.gov)


Neighborhood Community Safety Council

office of neighborhood safety


The Office of Neighborhood Safety has established a Neighborhood Community Safety Council to support its work. In just the last few months, council members have been reviewing city grants, attending listening sessions, and participating in public safety oriented events.

The council is eager to expand to include more members from throughout the city. Would you be interested in participating? Please apply to be part of the Neighborhood Community Safety Council here.


Register for Fall Parks & Rec Activities!

people swimming


Fall Swim Lessons

Registration for fall swimming lessons at Great River Water Park!

Fall activity registration 

Registration for fall activities and Rec Check is now open! Browse schedules and register online for babysitting trainingdance classes, tumblingmartial arts, cooking classesadult programs, arts & crafts, teen activitiesmusic classes, and more.


Ward 6 Year Round STAR Grant

Ward 6 STAR funding


If you run a business or non-profit in St Paul Ward 6 and are you needing to make a permanent improvement (lasting 7+ years) to your building, you may be eligible for Ward 6 Year-Round STAR Funding!

Please email our office with information on your project to receive an application. Read full STAR eligibility guidelines here. Applications are subject to approval from the Saint Paul STAR Board and Saint Paul City Council.  


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens

Property tax deferral


Property Tax Deferral for Senior Citizens through the State of MN may allow you to defer a portion of the property taxes you owe. Visit the link above or call 651-556-6091.


Join a State Board, Committee or Commission

MN Secretary of State openings


The MN Secretary of State has a large number of open seats on various state boards, commissions, and committees. If you live or work in the City of St Paul, one of these spots could be for you! View and apply for open state board, commission, and committee positions here.


COVID Testing and Treatment Resources

Test to Treat


Find test-to-treat locations  where you can get and fill COVID treatment medications same-day. 

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 Self-testing